New Garmin 2730 XM Satellite Radio + Weather

[jpalamaro]

No proprietary data cards needed either. Ah well, such is progress. But, the 376C has a better screen! "Ah said the fox, "...those grapes are probably sour."

http://www.garmin.com/products/sp2730/

[DaveDragon]

It has some nice features like XM Traffic.

I sent an email to Garmin to see if future Software releases for the 376C will make XM Traffic available as both units use the same XM Puck Smart Antenna.

The 3D road view would be a nice touch as well.

[EdBruce]

Yup... I think I'm gonna get the 2730.

Gives me some extra shelve space as well by getting rid of my seperate XM Radio

Cheers

[jpalamaro]

I like the wireless feature buit in also; another thing to eliminate haywire BTW. Crap . . . almost sorry I got the 376C!!! But, the screen is better! heh heh Maybe the 2730 on the K12GT????

I presume that you can transfer you XM satellite radio and weather via the PUCK. The reason I believe this to be true is my first 376C was faulty (not really, we later found out that a firmware update got rid of the problem), but I was able to use my original PUCK on the replaced 376C. Unless Garmin is EVIL and comes with a different connector/pin config.

[eljeffe]

John,

Has it been determined if the 2730 gets weather radar? I know they were talking about the 2730 getting XM NavTraffic with Weather (which doesn't include radar), but nothing about getting XM Weather (which includes radar). If that is the case, the 376C is still my preferred unit.

[jpalamaro]

Jeff, from the URL, first paragraph. Altho' it not showing anywhere else troubles me.

The StreetPilot 2730 offers real-time XM NavTraffic, XM WX Weather, and XM Radio capabilities. It comes ready to go, right out of the box—there's no need to download maps from your PC.[I]

[EdBruce]

John,

Has it been determined if the 2730 gets weather radar? I know they were talking about the 2730 getting XM NavTraffic with Weather (which doesn't include radar), but nothing about getting XM Weather (which includes radar). If that is the case, the 376C is still my preferred unit.

It doesn't get the radar

[grifscoots]

It has some nice features like XM Traffic.



Hey Dave, one bummer about XM Traffic is they only have coverage in large Metropolitan areas. In Tejas, all they cover is Houston and Dallas.

[jpalamaro]

It doesn't get the radar
You're right!!! Here's from their URL; reading it helps.
[Additionally, the StreetPilot 2730 can also receive XM weather data*. Current weather conditions for over 2,000 locations, and weather forecasts for 162 cities, are displayed on-screen. United States county storm and flood warnings are also highlighted, allowing motorists to make prudent driving decisions. ]

That rates a BFD from me, anyways! USELESS

[BlackWing18]

Just sold my 276C and trying to decide which way to go for the new ride...I was thinking the 376C was 'the one' but not sure now. The MP3 capability in the 2730 is appealing, but there is no mention of 'water resistance' in the specifications on the Garmin site. Also the screen has slightly less pixels than the 376.
Anyone have an opinion on the useability of the 2730 in a motorcycle environment?? Or is it primarily aimed at the automotive market...

Jim

[danbrew]

I just sold my 2610 and bought a 376c. The weather and xm radio were big points in favor of the 376c, but the screen quality & ability to view in bright sunlight really tipped me over to the 376c. Also consider the fact that you'll be using the touchscreen on the 2xxx series with your gloves -- a screen protector is really a good idea.

I liked the 2610 a lot better in the car than I did on the bike. The CF thing is good, but most of us are probably computer geeks in some way or another, so it's not that big a deal for me to carry along a laptop. There's also the thought that the 376c runs off of a battery, while the 26xx series does not (don't think the 27xx does either, but may be wrong...).

:)

[Renzo]

http://www.gpsmarketplace.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=644
Found the Garmin 2730 on line in stock for $870.00 Great Price, has anyone ever purchased from here?
The 2730..... Xm Radio receiver, XM weather, XM traffic alerts capable, FM transmitter, GPS, MP3 I love this thing.

[BlackWing18]

It looks like the vendor will only be recieving the 2730's on Dec. 21st...Not that that is a show stopper. I can't even use it on the snowmobile before then, never mind the RT...
By the way there is no mention of the water resistance of the 27xx series, even on the Garmin site???

Jim

[jpalamaro]

XM traffic seems like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. Now, if it could eliminate the traffic, well, that would indeed be neat.

[edonthenet]

For what it's worth, I had XM for 2 years. The traffic they provide is nothing short of "worthless". Living in the NY metropolitan a 2 mile backup can occur over a flat tire changer on the shoulder and takes approximately 4 minutes to build. By time XM would get around to reporting it, the car was at STS, on the lift and new slicks installed.
If you want up to date traffic, go drive around. FM radio is full of live "free" traffic reports that are semi-accurate. And when you see news choppers buzzing an area, there's a tie up, betcha!
So, save your money on XM if all you're looking for is traffic updates. Get it for the music or sports, okay.
Ed

[artk50]

We have a group buy offer via primiercycleproducts in the sponsor forum on the 376c. Also Garmin has not released a price on the 2730 yet and I believe that the release has been moved to January.

[jpalamaro]

TVNAV.COM selling them for $895.00. Some expected in December.